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If you’re looking to make improvements to your home and have good to excellent credit, this loan could be the solution to your financing needs.

Known for: LightStream believes that consumers with good credit deserve a simple loan process with a low APR and no fees.

The process of obtaining financing for home improvements can be laborious and costly. Many homeowners opt for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to accomplish this task. But a HELOC comes with associated fees, and a variable APR can increase over the loan’s lifetime. A better choice is LightStream’s home improvement loan. It comes with no fees and a low fixed APR, and you can apply without stepping foot in a bank.

How does a home improvement loan through LightStream work?

Applying for your home improvement loan through LightStream is a simple online process. In addition to simplicity, the loan can offer significant savings with a low APR and no fees. Because it is an unsecured loan, no collateral is required — which means you retain your hard-earned home equity. However, a LightStream loan does require good to excellent credit.

Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000 with a maximum loan term of 84 months (7 years).

Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 5.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $304.17.

Once approved, you must transfer the funds to your bank account within 30 days. After 30 days, you’ll need to reapply. Also, funds must be used for the purpose stated on your application and cannot be used for business purposes or for student loans.

What are the benefits of a LightStream home improvement loan?

Easy online process.

No fees.

No equity required.

Same-day funding today if you meet certain requirements†.

What to watch out for

LightStream’s loan has few faults. Most complaints are due to not being approved, but this is a great loan if you have good to excellent credit. LightStream is so sure you’ll be satisfied with the loan process, it comes with a guarantee: after initiating a complaint and completing a questionnaire, you could receive $100§. The loan is also backed by LightStream’s Rate Beat Program, which promises to beat another lender’s APR by 0.10 percentage points.

Be aware of the following:

If you choose to pay by invoice, your interest rate will be 0.50% higher*. Select AutoPay on loan acceptance to avoid the higher rate.

You must have a valid Visa or MasterCard credit card. This is for verification purposes only, and no charges are applied.

You must use loan proceeds for the purpose stated on your application.

How much will I pay for a home improvement loan through LightStream?

To start off, here’s a payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 5.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $304.17.Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at the interest rate:

The interest rate is fixed. It won’t change over the lifetime of the loan.

Interest accrues daily, based on the unpaid principal balance. Your payment will first be applied to interest, with the remainder going toward principal.

Rates can be as low as 3.99%* withAutoPay. Rate is determined by the loan purpose, loan amount, loan terms and your credit profile.

You’ll save with AutoPay. If you choose to receive an invoice, your rate will be 0.50% higher*.

Interest rates are based a combination of loan amount and purpose, length of the loan and your credit profile.

If approved, simply e-sign your documents, set up payment information and set up your loan for funding. You can even receive your funds that same day, if you meet certain requirements†.

I got the loan! Now what?

You’ve successfully qualified for a LightStream loan. But before you begin shopping for the perfect hardware for your new kitchen cabinets, it’s important to understand how to make payments on your new loan and take advantage of its features.

When you applied for your loan, you opted for either AutoPay or invoice:

AutoPay is automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month. Once you’ve set up this feature, you’re good to go. Selecting AutoPay results in a lower APR*.

Invoice payments must be returned by mail. You can’t make payments at or through a SunTrust Bank branch. Invoice payments result in a slightly higher APR, so consider setting up AutoPay to avoid a higher interest rate.

You could receive your funds the same day if you apply during a banking business day. If your application is approved, you must then complete the following steps by 2:30 p.m. EST:

LightStream home improvement loan summary

Applying for a LightStream loan is a simple process for applicants with good to excellent credit. If your credit history enables you to qualify, this loan is a great option to finance your home improvement projects.

Are there prepay penalties?

Is LightStream affiliated with SunTrust Bank?

Do I need to be an existing SunTrust customer to qualify for a LightStream loan?

No, LightStream serves customers across the United States.

How long will it take before I get an answer to my application?

Applicants typically receive an answer quickly during business hours. If additional information is required, a LightStream representative will follow up through email. The timing of LightStream’s response after that depends on how quickly you provide the requested information.

Important information

* Your APR may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term, and your credit profile. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount, which is only available when you select AutoPay prior to loan funding. Rates under the invoicing option are 0.50% higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 5.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $304.17.

† You can fund your loan today if today is a banking business day, your application is approved, and you complete the following steps by 2:30 p.m. Eastern time: (1) review and electronically sign your loan agreement; (2) provide us with your funding preferences and relevant banking information; and (3) complete the final verification process.

§ After receiving your loan from LightStream, if you are not completely satisfied with your experience, please contact them. They will email you a questionnaire so they can improve their services. When they receive your completed questionnaire, they will send you $100. LightStream’s guarantee expires 30 days after you receive your loan.

LightStream reserves the right to change or discontinue their guarantee at any time. Limited to one $100 payment per funded loan. LightStream and SunTrust teammates do not qualify for the Loan Experience Guarantee.

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